USApple Members Converge On Nation’s Capital

Posted by David Eddy|March 26, 2014

Apple leaders from coast-to-coast brought a unified message to Capitol Hill: pass immigration reform, our business is depending on it. Participants joined forces for USApple’s Capitol Hill Day, an annual event hosted by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple), on Thursday, March 20. Members traveled from across the country to meet with more than 70 congressional offices, representing California, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The apple industry is heavily dependent on migrant labor, H-2A, and H-2B workers to grow, harvest, pack, and process apples and apple products. For a perishable crop like apples, a delay in the arrival of harvest workers can impact the quality and value of the apples. Growers also emphasized the economic impact they have on the local community and the jobs that harvest workers’ support. Securing a legal, stable and reliable workforce will continue to be USApple’s top legislative priority.

“USApple is the growers’ voice on Capitol Hill but we never underestimate the importance of Congress hearing directly from their constituents about the needs of the apple industry,” stated Jim Bair, President & CEO of USApple in a press release. “We will continue to work with House and Senate leadership and key Members of Congress from apple producing districts to move the labor reform conversations forward.”

The apple delegation was also joined by 18 young people from nine states who participated in USApple’s Young Apple Leader program. These young men and women brought a contagious passion and enthusiasm for the industry that had an impact on their peers, industry leaders and congressional staff. They also gained an understanding of how federal, regulatory and legislative issues directly affect their apple business. “These young people will be the future decision-makers in their businesses, communities, and at USApple,” said USApple Chairman Chris Britton.

Source: U.S. Apple Association